We have an experienced board to oversee our Care and Support services.
The board works to a terms of reference and follows the National Housing Federation's Governance Code. These ensure we work to the highest standards of governance and accountability, while responding to change and increased risk.
Board members are paid for their time, contributions, skills and experience as set out in our Board recruitment, succession and remuneration strategy. They can claim reasonable expenses and are required to declare their interest or involvement in any other relevant organisations (for example, other board or company directorships).
Board members normally serve for up to six years, subject to re-election every three years.
Our current Care and Support board members are:
Margaret Coward, Chair
Margaret has over 30 years’ experience in housing and regeneration, including senior roles in the public and voluntary sectors in Nottingham, Derby, Surrey, Hampshire, Belfast, Sheffield and Leeds. As a volunteer, she is Chair of an almshouse charity providing accommodation for older people, and Trustee of a charity supporting people at risk of domestic abuse. Margaret has been an independent member of the Care and Support and Audit Committees since 2018.
Anne Chapman
Anne has extensive governance, strategic and legal experience, and currently works as Company Secretary for Golding Homes. She was previously a solicitor for over 20 years, specialising in strategic risk management, regulatory and legal compliance, data protection and health and safety. Anne has wide-ranging stakeholder engagement and governance experience, including non-executive positions in the health, housing, education and charity sectors. She is Vice Chair of Eldon Housing Association, Vice Chair of the homelessness and mental health charity Porchlight and an independent member of the Chartered Institute of Housing Audit and Risk Committee.
Patricia McCabe
Patricia is an experienced non-executive who has served on the boards of several housing and third-sector organisations. She is Chair of Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid and also of the Birmingham Ageing Better Strategic Partnership. Patricia’s career has primarily been in organisational development across housing, social services, the NHS, charities and the private sector. She is professionally qualified in company direction, general management and human resources.
Tim Bishop
Tim is a registered social worker with over 40 years' experience in health and social care, including senior strategic roles in adult social care and the NHS. He is an associate member of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services. Tim has also held non-executive roles in the public and not-for-profit sectors. He is a non-executive director of Manx Care (the health and social care provider on the Isle of Man), and chairs the board of housing association providing homes and support to people with mental ill health in London. He is also a member of the Assurance Committee of the Professional Records Standard Body.
Simon Ketteridge
Simon began his career as a volunteer at a homelessness service in Nottingham, working with men with multiple and complex needs. Since then, he's worked in a wide range of development and operational roles across the voluntary and private sectors providing support to people with a variety of needs including mental health difficulties, learning disabilities, older people and homelessness. Simon is Director of Business Development, Insight and External Affairs at Victim Support. Before that, he was Director of Business Development for a national housing association and care and support provider, where he led on strategy and partnerships resulting in significant new growth.
Andy Murtha
Andy brings a unique perspective to the Housing Board, with over forty years’ experience in the voluntary and emergency services. He has served on five boards, chairing two and acting as company secretary for one. His lived experience has given him expertise in both mental and physical disabilities, and he is a wheelchair user. Andy has worked with Social Services in commissioning and procurement, and with the police on disability engagement, including senior-level recruitment. He also provided similar services within the NHS, where he was employed as a Lived Experience Partner to help improve major services. Alongside this, Andy spent 27 years as a commercial trainer, the last three as Training Manager. He was an initial member of the emh Scrutiny Panel and now chairs the Resident Influence Committee.
Mike Lawton
Mike is an experienced non-executive director in the housing sector, who has held senior positions with major housing providers serving diverse customer groups. He brings detailed knowledge and experience of housing needs in the Midlands. Mike’s executive career also includes senior roles in multi-national organisations, latterly as the head of global marketing and communications for Michelin. He has extensive experience of both private and not-for-profit environments and is accomplished in managing complex relationships with stakeholders and regulatory bodies. Mike is an effective and articulate communicator able to lead and inspire large teams across countries and cultures. His international experience is supported by an MBA, awarded in 2010.